Simplifying EU GPSR Compliance for UK-Based Businesses
Complizon specialises in assisting brands with UK and EU compliance requirements. We understand that many small businesses in the UK face challenges navigating the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). This regulation is essential for ensuring that products sold in the EU meet stringent safety and labeling standards, protecting consumers and maintaining a level playing field for businesses.
In this post, we’ll simplify the GPSR's key requirements, address common concerns, and provide practical insights to help businesses—particularly those outside the EU—understand and achieve compliance. Whether you’re exploring the EU market for the first time or looking to ensure your products meet updated standards, this guide is here to help.
Product Compliance
Ensure your products meet applicable EU safety standards (e.g., EN71 for toys or REACH for textiles). They must also be safe under normal and foreseeable use, including proper testing and risk assessments.
Labeling Compliance
The following information must be included on the product or its packaging:
Your company name, address, and contact information.
Your EU Responsible Person's (EU RP) name, address, and contact information.
A product identifier (e.g., serial, model, or batch number).
Any applicable symbols, such as the CE Mark for toys.
Safety warnings or instructions must be in the official language(s) of the EU country where the product is sold. For example, in France, all labelling must be in French. I've included more information regarding safety warnings/instructions and exemptions.
Self-Explanatory Products: Translations/Warnings Required?
Under the GPSR, self-explanatory products like books or candle holders may not require additional instructions or translations.
The key is whether the product's use and safety considerations are transparent to the average consumer without further explanation. If so, the GPSR does not mandate additional instructions or translations.
Assessing each product individually to ensure compliance is essential. When in doubt, providing clear instructions in the appropriate language(s) is always a safe approach.
Appoint an EU Responsible Person (EU RP)
The EU RP acts as your legal representative in the EU. They are responsible for:
Holding compliance documentation (e.g., testing reports, technical files, declarations of conformity).
Ensuring labelling and documentation meet EU requirements.
Acting as the first point of contact for EU authorities if any compliance issues arise.
What if Your Products Are Already Compliant in the UK?
If your products meet UK safety standards, achieving GPSR compliance for the EU is typically straightforward. Most businesses only need to:
Appoint an EU RP to meet the GPSR’s legal representation requirements.
Update your labelling to include the EU RP’s details and ensure it aligns with the GPSR’s specific requirements, such as language considerations.
This process is usually seamless because many testing standards remain aligned between the UK and EU post-Brexit.
At Complizon, we are committed to simplifying the compliance process for businesses and ensuring their products meet the necessary standards for safe and successful entry into the EU market. The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) may seem complex, but with expert guidance, it becomes a manageable step toward market expansion.
If you have questions about your products or are unsure where to begin, our specialists are here to help. From ensuring your labelling meets language requirements to appointing an EU Responsible Person, we provide comprehensive support tailored to your business needs.
Let Complizon guide you through the process so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.